West Gate tunnel project concerns: Councils fear more trucks, noise and pollution

INCREASED trucks, air pollution and noise will plague western suburbs streets during construction works on the West Gate tunnel project, councils fear.

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TWO western suburbs councils say they remain concerned about the negative impacts of the West Gate tunnel project on their residents.

Hobsons Bay Council fears a significant increase in truck traffic on its city’s streets, increased air pollution, and more noise when construction work begins in 2022.

Neighbouring Maribyrnong is also worried about the detrimental visual impacts of the tunnel on Footscray Wharf, and wants State Government assistance towards improving its amenity, estimated to cost $13 million.

Hobsons Bay Council fears a significant increase in truck traffic on its city’s streets when West Gate tunnel construction work begins.

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While supportive of the project, Maribyrnong wants extended truck curfews along Somerville Rd, Francis St, Moore St and Buckley St made law to prevent toll avoidance.

Hobsons Bay is calling for truck bans on Millers Rd except for vehicles that start or terminate their journey at Brooklyn or Altona North.

Mayor Sandra Wilson said Millers Rd already had a wide range of uses, including vehicles, public transport, cycling, pedestrians, and homes.

“These functions will all undoubtedly be affected by the proposed increase of 7000 truck movements per day resulting from toll avoidance and the City of Maribyrnong truck bans,” Cr Wilson said.

“Council has resolved to continue advocating for truck bans on Millers Rd and a number of other roads surrounding the freeway corridor.”

“We are also calling for upgrades to the Grieve Parade freeway access points as a suggested way forward to accommodate the proposed increase in truck traffic and not have them going down our residential streets.”

Maribyrnong Council is worried about the detrimental visual impacts of the tunnel on Footscray Wharf.

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The council wants the State Government to increase local public transport options, for both train and bus services, throughout the construction period — and into the future.

Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan said there would be a range measures to keep people moving while the tunnel was built, reducing the impact on local streets and residents.

“These measures will be informed by the exhaustive, independent EES process currently underway, and we encourage the community to get involved,” he said.

The $5.5 billion project aims to build more lanes on the West Gate Freeway and dig a 4km tunnel linking the freeway near Yarraville to the Maribyrnong River.

The tunnel will link to a bridge over the river and connect to Footscray Rd.

The same number of lanes will be open on the West Gate Freeway, Princes Freeway, M80, Footscray Rd, Wurundjeri Way, Dudley St, Williamstown Rd, Millers Rd and Grieve Parade during construction.

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@AndyJeffo